Jersey Journal file photoThe 2009 Taste of Hoboken features the cuisine of 36 restaurants tonight at Stevens Institute of Technology. The even benefits the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA.The 22nd annual Taste of Hoboken benefiting the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA begins with a champagne preview at 6 tonight at the Stevens Institute of Technology Caravan Arena.

The main event -- featuring some 36 Hoboken restaurants, bakeries and cafes -- follows at 7.

American, Italian, Spanish, Thai, Middle-Eastern and
South Asian cuisines are among the specialties on the buffet menu.

Many restaurants in the community that have been a part of
Hoboken for decades look forward to the Taste of Hoboken
event year after year, restaurateurs told The Jersey Journal for last week's Weekend Urge section.

Amanda's, which features quality American dining, has
been participating in Taste of Hoboken since it began in
1987.

Ali Baba restaurant will be celebrating its own 26th
anniversary at tonight's event with leg of lamb, rice pilaf, hummus and
tabouli.

"We have loyal customers who leave (the city) but
come back to see us," head waitress Jacqueline
Ducoudray said.

Tickets are $80 including the champagne preview, $60 for only the main event.To purchase tickets, visit brownpapertickets.

For information, call the YMCA at (201) 963-4100 or visit hobokenymca.